Driver Charged After Crash Kills Grammy-Nominated Musician in Hopkinton

Musician Fatally Struck While Walking Dogs in Hopkinton

On Saturday in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Grammy-nominated musician Roderick Macleod, 70, was struck by a car and killed while walking his dogs, according to the Hopkinton Police Department.

Police identified the alleged driver as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout. Authorities stated that Godbout was traveling eastbound when she left her lane of travel and struck several objects, including two telephone poles, before hitting Macleod, who was walking on the shoulder of the road.

Victim’s Background and Immediate Aftermath

Roderick Macleod was a member of the band Roomful of Blues in the 1980s and received a Grammy nomination for his work with the group. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014, according to local media reports.

After the collision, emergency responders transported Macleod to Rhode Island Hospital. Police reported that he died there from his injuries. Local media reported that one of Macleod's dogs survived the crash and ran home.

Driver’s Arrest and Reported Narcotics Possession

Hopkinton police stated that, at the time of the crash, Godbout was allegedly driving recklessly. According to the police, she was also found to be in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials that they described as commonly associated with drug distribution.

Authorities arrested Godbout at the scene and transported her to an area hospital. Police said she remained in custody at the hospital on Monday.

Charges and Prior Record Detailed by Police

Police charged Godbout with driving so as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Investigators stated that she may face additional charges as the investigation into the Hopkinton crash continues.

According to police, Godbout has been arrested more than 100 times, though they did not provide details of those prior arrests. They said eight of those arrests were made by the Hopkinton Police Department. Authorities also reported that 82 court warrants have been issued for her and that she has received 40 traffic citations.